Glucocorticoid hormone can suppress apoptosis of rat testicular germ cells induced by testicular ischemia.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of dexamethasone, a potent synthetic glucocorticoid hormone, on apoptosis of testicular germ cells and vascular neutrophil adhesion after repair of testicular torsion in rats.

DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

SETTING

Department of Urology, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan.

ANIMAL(S): Fifty-one male Sprague-Dawley rats.

INTERVENTION(S): Dexamethasone, 10 mg/kg of body weight.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Testicular germ-cell apoptosis (percentages of apoptotic tubules and apoptotic cells) and vascular neutrophil adhesion were assessed by using DNA nick-end labeling and the endothelial-neutrophil adhesion score, respectively.

RESULT(S): Intravenous administration of dexamethasone at repair of 90-minute testicular torsion significantly inhibited testicular germ-cell apoptosis and vascular neutrophil adhesion. This inhibition was suppressed by intravenous injection of mifepristone, a glucocorticoid-receptor antagonist.

CONCLUSION(S): Glucocorticoids can be administered for torsion in addition to conventional torsion repair.